AMO meeting hall named in honor of Joe Gremelsbacker

Dozens of retired and current American Maritime Officers members, the AMO National Executive Board, AMO and AMO Plans directors and staff, executives from AMO-contracted companies, close friends and family gathered March 22 for the dedication of the AMO membership meeting hall in Dania Beach, now named in memory of the late AMO Deep Sea Vice President, Joseph Gremelsbacker.

The Joe Gremelsbacker Memorial Auditorium was dedicated during the week of the AMO Executive Board meetings and the AMO Plans Board of Trustees meetings, sessions in which Gremelsbacker participated for decades, representing the personal and professional interests of AMO deep sea members and their families.

Joseph Zigmund Gremelsbacker passed away at his home in Hollywood, Fla., on October 3, 2022 after a heroic eight-year struggle with cancer and the relentless impact of sustained radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He was 68. Joe was laid to rest at sea during a private family service on January 29, a remembrance organized by Joe's daughter, Morgan.

During the dedication ceremony, family, friends, former shipmates and colleagues shared stories about Gremelsbacker - a witty, honest and good-hearted man who was dedicated to servicing the AMO members.

Outside the newly-minted auditorium hang a memorial plaque and bell, which AMO President Paul Doell rang eight times, marking a seaman's end of watch.

"Joe Gremelsbacker was a man of relentless honor and absolute commitment to the day-to-day membership mission at hand," Doell said. "We in the AMO administration and headquarters support staff worked with and learned much from Joe, and we remain forever grateful to him."

AMO National President Paul Doell rings eight bells during the dedication ceremony of The Joe Gremelsbacker Memorial Auditorium, named in honor of the late longtime deep-sea vice president on March 22. With him is Joe's daughter, Morgan.

Morgan Gremelsbacker stands with the memorial plaque and bell outside of the AMO membership meeting hall now named in honor of her late father.

AMO member Captain Chris Fox shares a story about his longtime close friend Joe Gremelsbacker during the dedication ceremony.

Speakers at the dedication of The Joe Gremelsbacker Memorial Auditorium included AMO Plans Executive Director Steve Nickerson, AMO National President Paul Doell, Morgan Gremelsbacker and American Maritime Officers Service President/Chairman Anthony Naccarato.